Choosing the right guinea pig doesn't mean you should choose the prettiest one you can find.Other things are more important than that.Getting your pet from an ethical source, assessing the health and fitness of potential pets, and deciding what kind of guinea pig you want are some of the things to consider when choosing a pet.You have a better chance of getting a long-lived pet if you take the time to gauge more than a guinea pig's looks.
Step 1: If you'd like to adopt an adult guinea pig, consider a rescue or shelter.
If there are any guinea pigs in rescues or shelters in your area, check online.You can use general pet adoption websites, such as Petfinder.com, or you can search the websites of your local shelters.The adoption network for guinea pigs can be found in your area.
Step 2: Call around to local shelters to find out if they have any animals for adoption.
If you don't see any of the animals on the shelter's website, you're wrong.Many shelters don't list their exotic animals for adoption online.
Step 3: If you want to find a home for a guinea pig, look in your local newspaper for online classified websites.
Beware of back yard breeders who post there.They will usually charge more than $20 for re-homing a baby.There are a lot of healthy, perfectly social Guinea pigs on the internet.Many backyard breeders breed solely for money and look at little to no regard for health, longevity, or temperament of the animals they are producing.
Step 4: There are bad breeding situations to avoid.
Pet stores and backyard breeders are notorious for selling sick guinea pigs.Pet stores get their animals from pet mills that are similar to puppy mills.They get sick animals in stock.Before you buy a guinea pig from a breeder, be sure to check them out.Do online research on them.They should make sure their pigs are bred ethically and with the best interests of the animals in mind.It's a good idea to visit several breeders.Pick the one that you're most confident in.
Step 5: Pick a sex for the pig.
Males tend to be more active than females.The sex you choose is a matter of preference.
Step 6: You should decide what breed of pig you want.
There are many different types of guinea pigs.If you want a long-haired pig, you have to decide if you would like a short-hair pig.You will be able to narrow down your choices.The American guinea pig is the most common pig.It has a smooth coat that is easy to clean.It will take a bit more grooming to get a long-haired guinea pig.They need to be brushed on a regular basis.When it comes to breed, you may not have much choice if you are adopting from a rescue.If the breed is important to you, you may need to go to a specialized breeder.
Step 7: There are other factors to consider.
If you already have a guinea pig, you need to make sure that it doesn't breed, since male and female guinea pigs get along well.If you already have male guinea pigs in a cage, it's not a good idea to introduce a female.There can be fighting between the males.
Step 8: Look at the physical characteristics of a potential pet.
You want to make sure it is healthy and doesn't have any hereditary problems.The guinea pig is moving.It should be able to run and walk.There is a shape of a pig.Make sure it's not too skinny or fat.Look at the pig's legs and feet to make sure they aren't swollen or bleeding, and that the legs are straight along the bone.Look at the skin.There should be no bald spots.
Step 9: Make sure the pig is well.
Look at it with its eyes, ears, and nose.The discharge in the ears, nose, and eyes of a guinea pig could be an indication of an illness.If the pig doesn't eat, it might be sick.It should eat frequently, even if you don't see it for a while.
Step 10: If you already have another pig, make sure to check the sex of it.
You need to inspect the genitals to do this.They are over six weeks old and not pregnant.
Step 11: Do you know the personality of your potential pet?
A healthy guinea pig doesn't mean it has the personality to be your perfect pet.You can gauge the personality of the guinea pig by playing with it.
Step 12: Ask the person you are getting the pet from about the past.
Ask if the pig has ever been sick and if its parents are healthy.It is always better to ask if they will tell you the truth.